1992-S 1c-50c Clad Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: A two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders held a purple fiberboard insert containing holes for the coins. This was slipped into a purple cardboard box upon which the words “United States Mint Proof Set • 1992” were printed in silver script.

Note: It should be mentioned that the U.S. Mint’s Proof sets each included a Certificate of Authenticity and Specifications sheet printed on cardboard. These were tucked into each box containing the assembled sets. Their contents varied from time to time, so a complete description of them is not included in this study, but they are a standard component of all subsequent sets.

Commentary: Sales of the regular Proof set were about the same as in 1991, seemingly unaffected by collector interest in the silver Proof sets.

Several denominations were visibly modified for 1992. Beginning this year and continuing thereafter, Lincoln now reveals a bulging vein on his forehead. Washington has deeply incised hairlines on his periwig, and his cheeks seem a bit hollow. President Kennedy has a clearly defined part to his hair; the Mint’s engravers evidently did not realize that this feature was deliberately omitted in 1964 at the request of Mrs. Kennedy.

Like all UNITED STATES PROOF SETs of the 1980s and later, each coin features deeply frosted lettering and devices. Proof sets of this era are nearly perfect as made, though examination with a magnifying glass may reveal minute flaws such as tiny bright spots within the frosting.

Source: Whitman